October 16, 2024: Following the success of “Smile” in 2022, writer-director Parker Finn is set to return with its highly anticipated sequel, “Smile 2.”
The upcoming film introduces Skye Riley, portrayed by Naomi Scott, a famous pop singer who finds herself embroiled in terrifying circumstances reminiscent of the original film.
During the film’s premiere in Los Angeles, Finn shared his creative process for the sequel, noting that he initially discarded many ideas that came to him too quickly, fearing they might be too obvious. He expressed a fascination with the world of pop music and the complex personas of its stars, which inspired the character of Skye Riley. “I just got kind of electrified by it and got obsessed with it,” Finn remarked.
In “Smile,” the narrative centers around a mysterious entity that manifests through unsettling smiles, terrifying psychiatrist Rose Cotter (played by Sosie Bacon). As the sequel unfolds, Skye experiences horrifying incidents linked to the same malevolent force, blending the themes of fame and psychological horror. Finn drew inspiration from real-life pop icons like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Britney Spears, aiming to create a character that feels both familiar and uniquely captivating.
Naomi Scott expressed her immediate attraction to the storyline, highlighting its compelling blend of horror and pop culture. Finn also discussed his technique for directing the actors’ performances, especially the film’s signature unsettling smiles. He emphasized the importance of achieving a balance, advising actors to smile in a friendly manner without over-exaggerating. He mentioned using a technique he called the “Kubrick stare,” which involves a specific head tilt to enhance the unsettling effect, along with careful framing and sound design.
Looking toward the future of the “Smile” franchise, Finn conveyed optimism about exploring diverse storytelling avenues. He believes there are many exciting paths the franchise could take, depending on audience reactions to the sequel. “There’s an opportunity to tell all different kinds of diverse stories and sort of place ourselves in different worlds that Smile then comes in and invades,” he remarked, indicating a desire to expand the universe and themes introduced in the original film.
With “Smile 2” on the horizon, fans can expect a thrilling continuation of the horror that captivated audiences the first time around, along with fresh insights into the complexities of fame and identity.
